Weaning Date for Spring Calving Cows Grazing Sandhills Range

A two-year experiment was conducted with March calving cows to determine the effect of the weaning date on cow body condition score, cow body weight, and calf body weight. Treatments were of eight weaning dates imposed at consecutive two-week intervals, beginning in mid-August and ending in late November. Cow body condition score declined linearly as weaning date was later in the fall. Calf body weight gains from August through November increased with weaning dates from August 18 through October 13; however, weaning after October 13 provided no advantage of increased calf body weight gain

Novel Hendra Virus Variant Detected by Sentinel Surveillance of Horses in Australia

We identified and isolated a novel Hendra virus (HeV) variant not detected by routine testing from a horse in Queensland, Australia, that died from acute illness with signs consistent with HeV infection. Using whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, we determined the variant had ≈83% nt identity with prototypic HeV. In silico and in vitro comparisons of the receptor-binding protein with prototypic HeV support that the human monoclonal antibody m102.4 used for postexposure prophylaxis and current equine vaccine will be effective against this variant. An updated quantitative PCR developed for routine surveillance resulted in subsequent case detection. Genetic sequence consistency with virus detected in grey-headed flying foxes suggests the variant circulates at least among this species. Studies are needed to determine infection kinetics, pathogenicity, reservoir-species associations, viral-host coevolution, and spillover dynamics for this virus. Surveillance and biosecurity practices should be updated to acknowledge HeV spillover risk across all regions frequented by flying foxes